How reliable and orthodox is Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary (from 1859)?

[lawto019]

Hello,
I have recently discovered a rather thorough and detailed Bible commentary published in the late 19th century and written by Rev. Fr. George Leo Haydock (an online version can be found at http://haydock1859.tripod.com).

I would like to know if any of you are familiar with this work and know whether it is considered to be a reliable resource by Catholic Scripture scholars today and whether it is faithful to the Magisterium? If not, do you have any recommendations for a detailed and reliable Catholic Bible commentary?

Thank you!

[Jaypeeto4]

The Haydock commentary is absolutely faithful to
the Magisterium of the Church.
It is orthodox and a highly informative commentary.
You won't go wrong using it.

It does kinda reflect the anti-Protestant polemics in vogue
at the time it was written, however, but that's to be expected.

You can use the Haydock with confidence.

[JRRTFAN]

Originally Posted by lawto019

Hello,
I have recently discovered a rather thorough and detailed Bible commentary published in the late 19th century and written by Rev. Fr. George Leo Haydock (an online version can be found at http://haydock1859.tripod.com).

I would like to know if any of you are familiar with this work and know whether it is considered to be a reliable resource by Catholic Scripture scholars today and whether it is faithful to the Magisterium? If not, do you have any recommendations for a detailed and reliable Catholic Bible commentary?

Thank you!

I think you'll find it an orthodox Bible study aid. The only issue, to me, seems to be that it ia a bit too literal reflecting the scholarship of the times.

[Phyllo]

Originally Posted by lawto019

Hello,
I have recently discovered a rather thorough and detailed Bible commentary published in the late 19th century and written by Rev. Fr. George Leo Haydock (an online version can be found at http://haydock1859.tripod.com).

I would like to know if any of you are familiar with this work and know whether it is considered to be a reliable resource by Catholic Scripture scholars today and whether it is faithful to the Magisterium? If not, do you have any recommendations for a detailed and reliable Catholic Bible commentary?

Thank you!

I use it. I actually own it. It is the only one I go to for an Orthodox teaching. I am afraid that the newer ones might be watered down.

[Mintaka]

How about older ones?

Seriously, though, Haydock would be the first to tell you that there's a world of information and reflection that he didn't include. His writing was mostly trying to be concise and orthodox, to answer quick questions. He's not trying to write a Bible commentary encyclopedia.

Cornelius a Lapide, on the other hand, apparently was trying to write a freakin' encyclopedia for every book of the Bible. And there are whole huge books full of Biblical commentary from saints and great teachers from through Church history, which you have available to you online for free or can access through libraries and bookstores. Many of these are concerned with all sorts of spiritual teaching as well as just providing knowledge. Don't be afraid to check 'em out.

But Haydock is a good basic source.